/ Man bravely fights off knife-wielding intruders

A man bravely fought off masked intruders who were holding his wife at knifepoint during an attempted burglary.

It happened at the couple's home on Murray Street in Salford at about 6.15pm on 27 November 2012.

The man, 41, was upstairs when his wife answered a knock on the family door. She was confronted by four masked men who forced their way into the house. Two of offenders were carrying knives and one of them, who had the weapon in his left hand, grabbed the woman round her face with his other hand.

Two of the would-be thieves went into the living room, in full view of the couple's seven-year-old daughter, at which point the husband came downstairs after hearing the commotion and punched the knifeman who was forcibly restraining his wife

After freeing his wife from the man's clutches, her husband continued to grapple with the other offenders who eventually fled the house empty-handed.

As they attempted to leave, the husband briefly gave chase and kicked one of the men to the floor, but all four managed to escape, running off towards Bowker Street.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

The men were said to be about 5ft 9in tall, of skinny builds wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Police Constable Mark Rigby of Salford CID said: "This man showed both incredible bravery and strength to fight off four men who had invaded the sanctity of his home.

"Instinct took over when he saw his wife being held at knifepoint in front of his young daughter, who was understandably very scared, and he courageously tackled these men who fled empty-handed.

"However, in applauding this man for his heroic actions, it is also fortunate he himself was not injured in fighting off the masked intruders because they had armed themselves with knives and were prepared to use the threat of violence to frighten this family.

"I would therefore appeal to anyone who has information about this incident, or perhaps suspects they know the identity of the offenders, to call us immediately and stop these people from striking again.

"Greater Manchester Police would always advise people confronted by such violence not to put themselves in harm's way as possessions can be replaced, people cannot. However, I believe this man deserves special praise for the courage he showed in protecting his wife and young daughter."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.